Simulation in pediatric nursing education: Are there enough evidence for future practice?

Abstract

Research on simulation is still a developing field in nursing and simulation-based learning is gaining momentum with its application over the past two decades in nursing education. Simulation is utilized as a method of training, by helping the learners for competent practice and to improve patient safety, but not much evidence is available for its application in pediatric nursing education.This study aimed to (1) describe the application of simulation in teaching pediatric nursing education and (2) explore the evidence for its application in developing clinical competencies and skills in nursing students taking pediatric courses.A literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Science Direct & ProQuest for the relevant articles available on the internet. Descriptive, experimental, and systematic reviews concerning simulation in pediatric nursing were included.Mixed results were cited in studies about imparting the knowledge concerning the applicability of simulation in pediatric nursing courses. Available evidence shows that simulation can improve the competency of students in clinical practice and in improving patient care outcomes and communication skills. There is a paucity of studies about the applicability of simulation in pediatric nursing education. Simulation is found to be a useful strategy in providing a near-to-real experience for the students to practice high-risk, rare procedural skills in pediatric nursing education. However, further, evidence is required to replace clinical practice experience with simulation, for sustained improvement in patient care outcomes, and in critical thinking and knowledge retention in nursing students.